"Would it be possible for our village's craftsmen to manufacture these themselves?"
Elder Chiyo was looking for a self-sufficient solution.
Sunagakure lacked resources but had no shortage of skilled artisans.
Puppet techniques were unique to the shinobi world, and while the elite puppet masters stood at the forefront, they were supported by countless puppet designers and mechanical experts working behind the scenes.
"Elder Chiyo, we've considered that option as well. However, the current market prices for iron ore and timber..."
Iron ore was one thing.
The largest exporter of timber was Konohagakure. Even if all other nations combined their supply, they still wouldn't match Konoha's output.
The logistics division, responsible for funding, was feeling the pinch.
"If we purchase the materials and then handle the manufacturing ourselves, the time and cost involved would be substantial... Perhaps we should consider buying from Kumogakure instead."
If they could buy from Kumogakure, why not Kirigakure? It would be cheaper.
Moreover, they had a non-aggression pact with Kirigakure, making it a safe option.
As Rasa considered this, the thought of that pact gave him a headache.
After a long pause, he finally spoke.
"Given the current situation, we cannot afford to strain our relations with Kirigakure in any way."
"Before we publicly denounce Kirigakure alongside Kumogakure and Iwagakure, the diplomatic corps should first reach out to gauge Kirigakure's stance."
With that, Rasa turned to Elder Chiyo. "What do you think?"
"Kazekage-sama, everyone, our primary objective is to win this war. Every decision must serve this goal."
Elder Chiyo clasped her hands together and rested them on the round table.
"Pressuring Kirigakure alongside Kumogakure and Iwagakure to reduce material support for Konoha is necessary. Weakening Konoha is a must."
"At the same time, maintaining our trade route with Kirigakure is also essential."
Rasa nodded in agreement. "You're right."
"Your plan is feasible. Before we issue a joint statement condemning Kirigakure, we should first reach out to them privately."
Elder Chiyo was firm. "We need to take a strong stance. We cannot let Kirigakure sense any hesitation and become emboldened. Understood?"
The high-ranking diplomatic officials nodded in unison. "Understood!"
With the decision made, Sunagakure's message was relayed to its personnel stationed in Kirigakure that very day.
After a night of refinement, the official diplomatic letter from Sunagakure was delivered to Yagura's desk the next morning.
Yagura merely chuckled at Sunagakure's wording.
Just before receiving this letter, he had personally signed off on a procurement contract with Konoha to buy paper, bamboo, and wax.
With the year coming to an end, he was planning to use these supplies to light up Kirigakure in celebration.
And now Sunagakure was threatening him to cut ties with Konoha?
Ridiculous.
Everyone knew Sunagakure's situation. There was no need for them to put on an act.
Of course, while he mocked them internally and joked about it with his subordinates, Yagura still sent back a formal response.
He assured Sunagakure that their "friendship" wouldn't be affected by minor disputes.
"You're right, we're wrong. But you see, Konoha is our ally too, and we have many, many challenges to deal with."
"In short, we're not changing a thing."
Finally, he wished for their eternal friendship.
...
Yagura's response quickly reached the Fourth Kazekage.
"That brat running Kirigakure wants to play both sides and profit from both." Rasa scoffed.
Elder Chiyo immediately saw through Yagura's ploy.
"He's claiming neutrality. He doesn't want war. He wants to be on good terms with everyone."
"What a noble and virtuous young leader. Let's slap a 'harmless' label on him."
Then she sneered. "He's just blinded by greed!"
"Mm." Rasa took a moment longer to process but soon understood as well.
The Mizukage was taking advantage of the war to amass wealth from the villages involved—primarily Konoha and Sunagakure.
And now that he had the audacity to make this position clear, it meant he was no longer afraid of the repercussions.
A fearless young leader.
"Kazekage-sama, we should coordinate with Kumogakure and Iwagakure to take action against Kirigakure."
Now that they were in private, Elder Chiyo no longer needed to maintain any diplomatic pretense. Though she spoke casually, her tone was firm and unwavering.
"That brat is getting cocky. It's time we teach him a lesson."
"Agreed."
Since Yagura had made his stance clear—wishing to maintain good relations with Sunagakure while profiting from them—
Rasa made his decision. "Kirigakure must suffer consequences."
On a practical level, Kirigakure was supplying weapons that were killing shinobi from the three great villages and aiding Konoha's war effort.
On a personal level, compared to Rasa's struggles, the Fourth Mizukage's meteoric rise seemed almost unfairly smooth.
"Send word to the Raikage and Tsuchikage."
...
Before long, a joint diplomatic statement from the three great villages landed on Yagura's desk.
"Hmph."
Yagura skimmed the documents, then tossed them aside. "Reject them outright."
There were some matters he could compromise on to avoid unnecessary attention.
But this? No.
Allowing foreign powers to interfere in his nation's affairs?
Who did they think they were?
Kirigakure's diplomatic envoy delivered his response, which infuriated the three Kage.
"That brat really thinks he can push us around!"
Swift discussions between the three villages led to a decision: they would take action against Kirigakure.
Given the geography, only Kumogakure had the ability to disrupt the trade routes between Konoha and Kirigakure.
...
Coincidentally, Kumogakure also possessed the greatest remaining military strength among the three villages.
Under the Third Raikage's orders, over a hundred Kumogakure shinobi set out on a covert mission, moving toward the sea between the Land of Fire and the Land of Water.
A fleet of Konoha supply ships was sailing across those waters.
Unfortunately for them, they were intercepted by Kumogakure's forces as soon as they entered the contested area.
Twenty Kumogakure shinobi split into five teams and swiftly boarded the ships.
The terrified sailors shouted, "Y-You! Who are you?!"
One of the Kumogakure shinobi smirked, resting his blade against his shoulder. "Take a good look."
The sailors recognized the headbands. "K-Kumogakure shinobi?!"
"Bingo."
The shinobi grinned. "Now, stop the ships. Immediately."
Whoosh—
A dark figure landed on the deck, shielding the sailors.
Recognizing their opponent, the Kumogakure shinobi's expression darkened. "Kirigakure shinobi."
Haku's breath misted in the cold air as he formed an ice spear in his hand.
"These ships are carrying our supplies. Please don't create unnecessary conflicts."
Dozens of dark figures suddenly emerged from the main ship and dispersed across the decks.
More Kirigakure shinobi had arrived.
And they outnumbered the Kumogakure forces.
The Kumogakure shinobi clenched their teeth.
They hadn't expected Kirigakure to go so far as to assign shinobi to protect their shipments...
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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